Cold snap sends power demand to record levels

Cold snap sends power demand to record levels - 22 Jun 2007

The onset of colder weather has seen power demand hit record levels across New Zealand.

As System Operator, Transpower recorded a New Zealand peak demand of 6919 MW (megawatts) between 5.30 and 6pm on Wednesday evening (20th June). This is 2.5% higher than the peak demand last winter of 6748 MW.

New records have also been set for both Islands. On Wednesday evening the North Island half hour peak demand reached a new record of 4619 MW. A South Island peak demand record was also set that evening and again on Thursday evening, reaching 2311 MW.

General Manager, Systems Operations Kieran Devine said that each year with the onset of cold weather, the electricity demand throughout New Zealand increases, however it is higher this year than any previous year.

“As well as new peak demand figures, the total amount of electricity being used by New Zealanders is also at record levels.”

“New Zealand’s total demand for electricity on Wednesday was 136.2 GWh (gigawatt hours). The previous 24-hour record was 132.6 GWh on 26 June 2006. In comparison a fortnight ago New Zealand was using around 110 GWh of electricity a day.”

“Electricity use is lower over weekends, but with more cold weather forecast, further records are possible next week,” he said.

Despite the mild weather in April and May, New Zealand’s total electricity use so far in 2007 is around 2.5% up on the same period last year.

ENDS

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Cold snap sends power demand to record levels - 22 Jun 2007 - Latest News - Transpower Internet

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